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Ukraine Faces Deepening Power Shortages After Russian Strikes

A resident shows a journalist where a Russian drone struck the roof of an apartment building, depriving its residents of water, heat and electricity, in Kyiv. Ukraine is confronting one of its most severe energy shortfalls since the start of the full‑scale invasion, with the country currently able to supply only about 60% of its electricity needs. A new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has heavily damaged power plants and transmission infrastructure across multiple regions, pushing the grid to the brink. Officials report that nearly every major power‑generating facility has been hit in recent weeks. Cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro have experienced rolling blackouts, leaving millions of residents coping with limited heating, lighting, and communications during the winter season. Ukraine’s government has warned that the situation remains extremely challenging. Engineers are working around the clock to repair damaged facilities, but repeated strikes have slowed...

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Maximizing Your Tax Return: Uncover Hidden Deductions for 2024

 

Getting the most out of your tax return can feel like an early spring bonus. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a newcomer, there are lesser-known deductions that could significantly impact your bottom line. 

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made filing expenses for people who work from home more complicated this year, there are still plenty of tax-deductible expenses that Canadians might be missing out on:

  • Children’s Summer Camps: Yes, you can claim credits for those enriching summer experiences.
  • Investment Expenses: If you have non-registered investment accounts, don’t overlook these costs.
  • Alimony Payments: If you’re making alimony payments, they may be deductible.
  • Moving Costs: Certain circumstances allow you to claim moving expenses.
  • Canadian employment amount: You can get credit for uniforms, work supplies, and more, up to $1,368 per year. Plus, if you subscribe to a Canadian news source, you can write off the cost of your subscription. 
  • Charitable donations: offer excellent tax benefits, especially for high-income earners. 
  • Contributing to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): is a powerful way to boost your refund and save for retirement. Here’s the magic number: aim for 18% of your income, up to the maximum of $30,780. Be strategic about how much you contribute to retirement savings accounts and charities—this could be the difference between owing the government money or getting a refund.

Remember, every dollar saved through deductions and credits adds up. So, dive into the lesser-known deductions, make smart RRSP contributions, and unlock hidden tax benefits. 

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